CFKA is hosting a Rural Community Connection event in Verona, in collaboration with the Rural Frontenac Community Services and Kingston Community Health Centres, on April 17th from 10 am to 1 pm. Join us for a morning of discussion on how we can foster resilience from the early years through to the later years. Light refreshments and lunch provided. This is a free event but RSVP required.

IMPACT STORY OF THE MONTH

With every donation made through CFKA, you ignite meaningful change in Kingston & Area.

Spotlight: Nurturing Resilience and Unity

CFKA is proud to support projects that embody resilience and unity. Here are two stories that highlight this theme: 

Street Health Centre's Catalyst Program: A Beacon of Hope

In the heart of Kingston, a beacon of hope shines brightly. The Catalyst Program, an initiative of the Street Health Centre, is making strides in combating the growing issue of crystal methamphetamine use. Launched as a pilot in November 2022, the program is a lifeline for those grappling with addiction. CFKA supported this program in 2023 with a grant of $25,000.

The holistic, wrap-around services model is what sets the program apart. They offer primary care, nursing care, addiction medicine support, addictions counseling in both group and individual formats, assessment and referral for residential treatment, referral to stabilization beds through partner agencies, occupational therapy support, peer support as well as community building activities. 

The program has already made a difference: increase in abstinence from methamphetamine use, return to the workforce/volunteerism, increased connection to primary care, increased sense of belonging to the community, reconnection with family/friends, housing stabilization, and completion of residential treatment for polysubstance use. This demonstrates the transformative power of community support and the indomitable spirit of those determined to reclaim their lives.

Resolve Counselling Services Kingston: Nurturing Young Minds

Young people aged 15 to 24 are more likely to experience mental illness and/or substance use disorders than any other age group. Resolve Counselling Services Kingston is stepping up to the challenge with their Child & Youth Counselling Program. CFKA supported this program in 2023 with a grant of $20,000. The Program provides much-needed counselling services, and helps youth improve their coping and communication skills, providing a safe and supportive space for them to understand themselves better.

This Counselling Program has become an integral part of a range of services for children and youth in our community. It is part of a continuum of services that community service providers, families and youth have come to depend on, especially for those children and youth who live on low incomes. This grant will help ensure accessible counselling and early intervention supports remain available to children and youth in our community.

The earlier we can intervene to support our young people develop healthy coping strategies and process traumatic events, the more resilient they will become to deal with events that they have little, or no control over. Many young people in Kingston face similar challenges. Resolve is making a difference. They’re fostering resilience and demonstrating the power of community unity in addressing mental health challenges.

CFKA is where your compassion meets purpose.